State Rep. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) voted against House Concurrent Resolution 31, legislation to ban Syrian refugees fleeing from war and terror from settling in the state of Ohio. She issued the following statement on her decision to vote against the resolution:

“This resolution calls for a halt to the settlement of Syrian refugees in Ohio and is in direct conflict with the core values and principles of the United States. I stand with all people in my district – be they refugee or American born – and vote no on this resolution.”

The lead Democrat on the Ohio House’s Health Committee, Democratic Whip and state Rep. Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), today responded to the latest dire report on Ohio’s statewide opioid overdose and addiction emergency.

The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences released the report “Taking Measure of Ohio’s Opioid Crisis” Tuesday, highlighting the grim realities many in the state are experiencing, but also making a case for greater treatment access and expanded educational and economic opportunities for Ohioans.

“This report confirms that treatment is necessary to stem the tide of this opioid crisis, and clearly we do not have enough treatment options currently available,” said Antonio. “We can do better. We must do better. Taxpayers deserve better economic opportunities, a strong and affordable educational foundation, and greater access to healthcare services – all things that we know will prevent opioid addiction and abuse.”